The 2022 NFL Draft is just 16 days away – indeed, we’re in the endgame now. For the Tennessee Titans, this draft is about planting depth across the roster, accentuating strengths, and addressing the few needs they actually have. That might be a hot take, but I think this is already a pretty talented roster that doesn’t have a whole lot of holes in it. What they do in the first round, with their 26th overall pick, is completely up in the air. Taking a defensive lineman, linebacker, or running back are about the only things they could do there that would genuinely surprise me. I expect to see them grab their quarterback of the future, address the offensive line, or add an explosive wide receiver – one of those three, and I’m not even certain about that. Jon Robinson can get to wheelin’ and dealin’ after all. But after that, anything is fair game. Below, I’ve listed (in alphabetical order) several guys I would like for the Titans that they should be able to grab in that 3rd-5th round range.
Mid-Round Targets for the Tennessee Titans
LB Darrian Beavers – I don’t think the Titans will address linebacker in the first round, but that doesn’t mean they won’t add depth to their rotation. That was a position group that was four-deep in 2021. Now, it’s three-deep going into 2022. That simple – they have Zach Cunningham and David Long Jr. starting. They like Monty Rice. They could add that 4th guy in the draft, and Beavers is a smart, heady, sure-tackling linebacker that has the ‘field general’ aura about him.
WR Romeo Doubs – Receiver help in the back end of the NFL Draft rarely pans out, but I think there’s plenty of reason for optimism with Doubs. He’s a fast, physical, underrated prospect that could surprise at the next level.
TE Greg Dulcich – Dulcich may have very well worked his way out of those middle rounds and into 2nd round consideration. Hell, he might even be the first tight end off the board. Dude’s a smooth, fluid route runner that should be a pass-catching weapon in the NFL.
EDGE Kingsley Enagbare – An athletic and relentless pass rusher that looks like one of the best pure EDGE pieces in this draft. Adding Enagbare would give the pass rush more teeth and provide a contingency plan should Rashad Weaver not pan out or the Titans elect to move on from Bud Dupree after 2022.
OL Ed Ingram – I’m not sure what to make of Ingram. Some scouts have him as a fringe first rounder. Others have him as a late-round/UDFA option. I love Ingram’s versatile game, but I love the way he plays with leverage even more. I think he could push for the starting left guard job right away.
OL Luke Fortner – He’s a good, steady interior lineman that probably projects best as a center, but one that has a shot in the NFL because of his solid technique. He could be the plan for life after Ben Jones.
C Cam Jurgens – Speaking of life after Ben Jones, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Titans grabbed their center of the future in this draft. Jurgens has skyrocketed up draft boards to the point that he might be in contention for the 2nd round. He’s athletic with fluid lateral quickness, and the pedigree of a three-year starter.
OT Abraham Lucas – I really like Lucas as a mid-round project tackle. You see the potential with Lucas, but he disappeared at times during Senior Bowl week. He needs to show more consistency, but the dude had some great reps against Kayvon Thibodeaux when they played Oregon. He plays with a lot of power and sticks to his blocks.
EDGE DeAngelo Malone – An underrated pass rusher with a lot of power and a lot of heart. I think the Titans will add another piece to the rotation, and Malone would be a solid choice.
WR John Metchie III – I’m not quite sure where or how Metchie’s draft stock fell off so drastically. If he can get his speed back after his injury, he’s going to be an absolute steal for someone in the middle rounds. Why not the Titans?
OL Dylan Parham – Another versatile offensive lineman capable of squaring up and stonewalling anyone. He could play multiple positions and provide quality depth and competition along the offensive line.
RB Dameon Pierce – I actually love this running back class because of how all-over-the-place the analysts are tabbing it. Some folks have Pierce as RB1 and I can’t even argue with that. He’s going to surprise in the NFL. This kid runs like a damn wrecking ball. He’s decisive and authoritative. Pierce just looks like an NFL running back. His play style is one that would fit in well with the Titans.
RB Brian Robinson, Jr. – I think people are sleeping on Robinson in this running back class. He’s a good jack of all trades running back that excels in catching the ball and pass protection. He could become a stud in the NFL, and I expect the Titans to be shopping around for a running back in this draft. They could use a direct replacement for D’Onta Foreman in the rotation, and I know no one wants to hear it, but they could begin thinking about the heir apparent for Derrick Henry.
WR Khalil Shakir – Shakir is another prospect that I think will surprise some folks in the NFL. He looks like a bona fide slot machine. Shakir should be deadly on in-breaking routes because of his quick-stop ability and sure hands. He would provide a different dynamic to the passing game that the Titans don’t currently have….think of him as an upgrade to the Chester Rogers spot.
OL Cole Strange – A feisty and versatile offensive lineman that is always looking to get out ahead of the play and block somebody at the second level. He’s one of my bigger sleepers in this draft, but it sounds like he might be working himself into 2nd round contention. So, I don’t know that he’ll be there for the Titans in the 3rd round.
CB Alontae Taylor – I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Titans add another cornerback into the fold to replace Jackrabbit Jenkins or serve as a contingency plan for Caleb Farley returning from injury. Taylor has good awareness, underrated closing speed and overall athleticism.
RB Rachaad White – Like I said, I think the Titans might surprise some folks in taking a running back earlier than expected….just adding weapons to this offense. White has starter potential in my eyes. He is a real Swiss army knife that can do multiple things well from out of the backfield.
TE Jelani Woods – The Titans need some explosiveness…they need a weapon…at tight end. Austin Hooper is a nice addition. But, I want to see someone with some explosive traits in the fold. Woods has the speed to really test coverage, and the size to test smaller defenders. He certainly looks like he can be that weapon.
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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